Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ ruling Fatah movement fended off a strong challenge by the Islamic militant group Hamas in local elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip today, with Fatah winning 56% and Hamas with 33% of the vote.

The militant Hamas group won municipal elections in the West Bank town of Qalqiliya and appeared headed for victory in two key Gaza Strip towns, poll results showed today, giving the Islamists new momentum ahead of parliamentary elections this summer.